The just concluded daylong training on media laws in The Gambia, organised by the Young Journalists Association of The Gambia (YJAG) is a step in the right direction.
The training was aimed at building the capacities of its members to enable them better execute their duties in conformity with the laws of the land.
To us this is a good initiative because journalists in the country, especially the young ones, need to know the laws relating to the media.
Yes, there is no dispute that the constitution of The Gambia guaranteed the rights to freedom of expression and freedom of the press.
It is therefore good that as young journalists they are acquainted with the laws of the land so as to orientate them on media related laws, since one of the fundamental principles of the law is that "ignorance of the law is no excuse."
As the watchdog of society you must equip yourselves with the laws to be able to live up to expectations.
We encourage the young journalists association to continue with this kind of programme for the betterment of their members.
We also commend Lawyer Edu Gomez for the pledge he made to support YJAG. The gesture would go a long way towards helping the association.
We also encourage others to follow his footsteps. As journalists, be it young or old, we must endeavour to do our work in good faith and professionally without fear or favour.
